1938 Packard 1605 Super Eight

James Ward Packard was unhappy with his new Winton car and after returning it to the Winton factory behind a team of horses one too many times, he was challenged by Alexander Winton to build his own car. Packard accepted the challenge and not only built a reliable car but a company that would define the very meaning of luxury in the American car. The Packard-built automobiles were exclusive to high society and it wasn't until 1935 with the introduction of the Model 120 that Packard became available to the middle class. The 120 was instrumental in saving the company from certain doom, but along with it, the company still catered to the needs and demands of society's best with a line of 12-cylinder cars. For 1938, the Packard senior cars shared bodies with the eight-cylinder cars. The Super Eight cars consisted of the 1603, 1604, and 1605. The 1603 had a 127-inch wheelbase a single-body style, the Touring Sedan. The Model 1604 had a 134-inch wheelbase and seven body styles. The Model 1605 had a 139-inch platform with three factories and four custom body styles.

The Super 8 had a selective synchromesh three-speed transmission, semi-floating rear axle, four-wheel hydraulic brakes, and disc wheels. The engine was an L-head, nine main bearing, straight-eight displacing 320 cubic inches, and offering 130 horsepower.

The Model 1605 factory bodies included a business sedan, a business limousine, and a convertible sedan, with prices ranging from $3,150 to nearly $4,000. The Custom styles demanded a much higher price and new for 1938 were the addition of a Rollston Town Car and two Brunn customs including an all-weather cabriolet and a touring cabriolet.

The 1938 Super 8 had a pressurized radiator cap, pontoon fenders, an electric clock, and a cigar lighter. Buyers had the option of purchasing accessory packages that included the Custom Accessory Group or Deluxe Accessory Group.

For 1938, Packard Super 8 production accounted for just over 4 percent of the company's 55,718 vehicles built.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2019